As the sun rises over Bucknell the wild comes to life between the plants around campus. One major contender for restoration is the numerous bioswales distributed throughout the property. Beneath their unassuming appearance, Bucknell University’s bioswales are quietly transforming the landscape, offering a haven for wildlife and a valuable tool for environmental education.
“Our stormwater management systems are done to help the environment” explains Bucknell Facilities staff. These strategically placed swales capture and filter stormwater runoff from buildings and parking lots and create vital havens for local wildlife.
Professor Duane Griffin is a habitat restoration advocate at Bucknell and highlights the environmental benefits of creating micro-habitats, such as bioswales, on campus. Professor Griffin cites the success of the university’s existing bioswale projects, specifically one near Academic East and Academic West. He emphasizes the project’s contribution to both environmental health and stormwater management.
Bioswales are not only positive for the environment but also contribute to the success of classrooms on campus. Professor Griffin explains “I’ve used them for all kinds of different teaching purposes. I don’t have to pile students onto a bus, I don’t have to drive anywhere, we are saving money and we are saving greenhouse gasses.”
However, the initiative faces challenges beyond just funding. Public perception of restored areas often portrays them as “unkempt” or “unsightly,” raising concerns about the potential impact on the campus aesthetic. Professor Griffin acknowledges these concerns and proposes solutions like installing fences and educational signage to enhance the visual appeal and inform the community about the project’s ecological significance. “What it signals is hey, this is not just overgrown and we didn’t just stop mowing here. This is protected, this is here for a reason,” explains Professor Griffin on how to develop and present bioswales in a positive light.
The bioswale project presents a unique opportunity for Bucknell to showcase its commitment to environmental restoration while fostering a vibrant campus ecosystem and with the help of the community, bucknell can continue to thrive.
Clip of interview: https://mediaspace.bucknell.edu/media/Clip+of+Professor+Griffin+Interview/1_bch9ncc0
Image 1: https://www.bucknell.edu/sites/default/files/public-safety/campusmap.pdf
Resources
- “The Bucknell Farm.” Bucknell University, www.bucknell.edu/life-bucknell/sustainability/bucknell-farm. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.
- Granados, Xochitl ‘25. Bucknell Greenway, 10 August 2023. Independent Study.
- Martin, Laura J. Wild by Design: The Rise of Ecological Restoration. Harvard University Press, 2022.
- Thames, Brooke. “Traverse a New Trail.” Bucknell Magazine, 1 July 2022, magazine.bucknell.edu/issue/summer-2022/traverse-a-new-trail/.